linger
verb (used without object)
to remain or stay on in a place longer than is usual or expected, as if from reluctance to leave.
has been lingering
-
present perfect progressiveof linger (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It has been lingering off Malaysia since discharging the crude to another vessel in a ship-to-ship transfer in August.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
But Rodgers is still being weighed down by one reminder of his time with the Packers: the Wisconsin property that he purchased in 2015, which has been lingering on the market for six months now.
From MarketWatch ● May 29, 2026
Over the last few weeks a persistent low pressure system has been lingering in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia which has kept temperatures cooler across much of California.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2025
“I hope in the next few days to be able to re-establish some contacts so that we can continue with this process which has been lingering for a long time,” he said.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 21, 2022
Upon his face was that faraway, ethereal look of one who has been lingering long beside the portal of another world, and scarce knows to which he belongs.
From In the Days of Chivalry by Evelyn Everett-Green
